Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has signed into law the bill establishing the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu announced this development at a workshop in Abuja.
“The president’s assent is a major milestone in our commitment to curbing the proliferation of illegal arms,” Ribadu stated. He emphasized the importance of gender mainstreaming in preventing the spread of small arms, citing UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
“The importance of gender mainstreaming in preventing the proliferation of SALW cannot be overstated. It strengthens our strategies and ensures an inclusive and sustainable approach to security,” Ribadu noted.
The ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons underscores the region’s collective responsibility in combating the spread of illicit arms. Ribadu commended the National Centre for its efforts in addressing arms proliferation.
Retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, National Coordinator of the centre, highlighted achievements including recovering substantial caches of illegal arms and arresting suspects involved in illicit importation.
The workshop aimed to integrate gender perspectives into national and regional strategies for Small Arms and Light Weapons control.
By establishing the National Centre, Nigeria takes a significant step
